“The Era’s”

***** (K|C|F) *****

T H E E R A’s( 1 9 4 9 ~)

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The 360cc Era ( 1949 – 1975 )

Since World War 2, engine sizes have changed 3 times. With the 1955 change to 360cc as the upper limit for 2-strokes, as well as 4-strokes, the kei class really began to take off, with cars from Suzuki ( Suzulight ) and then the Subaru 360, the first mass produced kei-car, finally able to fill the people’s need for basic transportation without being too severely compromised.

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The 550cc Era ( 1976 – 1990 )

Throughout the 1970’s, the government kept whittling away at the benefits offered to kei-cars, which combined with ever stricter emissions standards made for drastically lower sales figures through the first half of the decade. Honda and Mazda withdrew from the contracting passenger kei-car market, in 1974&1976, respectively, although they both maintained a limited offering of commercial vehicles.

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The 660cc Era ( 1990 ~)

Because regulations only restrict physical size and engine displacement ( and latterly outright power ), manufacturers are now able to introduce many advanced technologies. As a result, kei-cars are now often available with forced-induction engines, automatic & CV transmissions, front, rear, & 4WD, air conditioning, GPS, and many other innovative features.